Waters highlights positive trends in fourth quarter of 2012

Waters has expressed satisfaction with its financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2012, during which it achieved key targets in a difficult trading environment.

The life sciences company's sales for the quarter came to $522 million (332.83 million pounds), up slightly on the $521 million achieved during Q4 2011, with constant currency sales growth coming in at 1.5 percent.

Douglas Berthiaume, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Waters, said: "Demand trends in the fourth quarter were generally consistent with those observed throughout 2012. Our recurring revenues and business in Asia contributed to overall constant currency growth during a challenging period."

For the year as a whole, Waters' sales came to $1.84 billion, which was broadly level with last year's performance.

According to Mr Berthiaume, this was due to a stable pricing environment and sensible cost control policies, while its earnings per share figures improved thanks to a share repurchasing scheme.

Waters was founded in 1958 and now operates in 27 countries, while its products are available in more than 50 territories worldwide.